‘It’s a precedent not worth setting’: Taron Edgerton says there shouldn’t be a ‘general rule’ that straight actors can’t play gay characters – after starring as Elton John in Rocketman has

Taron Egerton, who played Sir Elton John in the biopic Rocketman, shared his view on whether straight actors should play gay characters.

The 33-year-old Welsh actor, who also starred in Kingsman, played the openly gay music sensation in the 2019 film and won a Golden Globe for his performance.

Now he has given his opinion on the controversial issue of straight actors in gay roles, saying he doesn’t think there should be a “general rule”.

He told Far Out Magazine: “I grew up in a very liberal city and some of my close friends are gay.

“I feel connected to this community. I don’t really think there should be a general rule about whether straight actors can play gay roles.

Star: The Welsh actor, 33, played Sir Elton in Rocketman and the pair became close friends

“It’s very easy for me to say as a straight man, but I think it could set a precedent that’s not worth setting.”

The debate over whether straight actors should play gay characters has been divisive in Hollywood.

Many believe that only LGBTQ actors have the experience to play the roles and that this will increase diversity in the film industry.

In 2021, Russell T. Davies, who created the hit Channel 4 series It’s A Sin, said he disagreed with the idea, saying: “You wouldn’t put a fit person in a wheelchair. ”

However, Cate Blanchett, who recently starred as Lydia Tar, took the opposite view, stressing the importance of suspending disbelief when acting.

Sir Ian McKellan took a similar stance, saying: “We are taking action. We pretend.’

Rocketman tells the life story of Elton John and is named after his 1972 hit Rocket Man.

Taron learned to play the piano for the film and sang along to all the songs live. He and Sir Elton, now 75, became fast friends after filming.

Biopic: Rocketman tells the life story of Sir Elton, from his childhood in Britain in the 1950s to his worldwide success. Sir Elton will perform in Italy in 2019

Born Reginald Dwight, the film follows Elton growing up in 1950s Britain, working with lyricist Bernie Taupin before becoming addicted to drugs, alcohol and sex.

In the end, the songwriter seeks help in a rehabilitation center and achieves extraordinary success.

Elton John has been with longtime partner David Furnish since 1993.

On the ninth anniversary of their registered partnership in 2014, they converted it into marriage.

The couple have two sons, Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John and Elijah Joseph Daniel, both born through surrogacy.

Last April, Taron reportedly split from longtime girlfriend Emily Thomas after their relationship was “strained” due to their busy schedules.

In 2022, he starred in the West End play Cock before collapsing on stage on opening night and later dropping out due to “personal reasons”.